When I first heard about Hunter x Hunter, I was skeptical. Another shonen anime? Another young boy chasing dreams? I had already watched Naruto, One Piece, Bleach, and all the other major names in the genre. I felt I had seen it all—the training arcs, the power-ups, the loud speeches about friendship and determination. So, I brushed off Hunter x Hunter more times than I can count.
But something kept tugging at me. Maybe it was the constant recommendations from friends or the countless online discussions describing it as "the most underrated masterpiece" or "not your typical shonen." Eventually, curiosity got the better of me. I hit play. And that decision changed how I look at storytelling, character development, and anime as a whole.
From the first episode I could tell Hunter x Hunter was something different. It begins with Gon Freecss, a 12-years-old boy; he lives in Whale Island and dreams that he could become a Hunter and search his separated father, Ging. Typical set up, eh? However, peeling is soon to begin and you soon find out that this is not your typical coming-of-age story.
Hunter x Hunter is something truly captivating, and it is because the manga never stops reinventing itself. When you think you start to understand, the story is twisted, sometimes subtly, sometimes violently, and you are forced into a completely different mood. The plot twists are not only plot twists, but thematic developments.
The Hunter Exam arc was entertaining and exciting and established the tone and the pace. Then there was Heavens Arena and all of a sudden, Nen was brought up-a power system that is so rich in depth and with philosophical meanings, that I even re-watched scenes to piece through it. And just as I got comfortable, the anime just dumped me into Yorknew City, where things got dark and the stakes were even higher and the moral compass were even more grey than before.
Then there was the Chimera Ant arc- a masterpiece of a masterpiece. That is where Hunter x Hunter had its skin peeled off. A kid-friendly adventure evolved into a serious search of what it is to be human. The philosophical issues, the emotional charge, the tragic deconstruction of characters- I was hooked, shaken and emotionally drained in the most positive way.
Let’s talk about the characters—because, honestly, they are the heart of Hunter x Hunter.
Gon is unlike any protagonist I’ve ever met. He’s kind, bright, and idealistic, but as the series unfolds, we witness something rare: his descent. Gon's development challenges the idea of "heroism." He’s not always right. He’s not always good. He’s human—flawed, impulsive, and sometimes terrifying.
And then there is Killua- oh, Killua. His trip in many senses is the heart of the show. Having been born into a family of assassins, being trained to kill since his early years, Killua begins as cold and detached. However, in his friendship with Gon we learn of his heart, his vulnerability and his staunch loyalty. Some of the most emotional moments to me were his inner struggles of self worth, control, and love.
And we should not leave Hisoka out, he is probably the most over the top and creepy villain in history. Hisoka loves to hate (hates to love) because he is the Joker of the group, the creepily charismatic villain that you can never stop watching. Whenever he appeared on the screen, the tension was there.
Other characters such as Kurapika, Leorio, Meruem, Komugi and even the Phantom Troupe had their arcs so well written and emotionally attached that it remained with me even after the end credits.
In addition to the story and the combat, Hunter x Hunter explores in depth complicated themes- identity, morality, trauma, revenge, power, and love.
The revenge mission of Kurapika against the Phantom Troupe demonstrates how revenge can take control over a person. The tragic love story of Meruem and Komugi raises the question, can even the most vile creatures develop, fall in love and experience empathy? It is so misplaced that it makes Gon obsessed with power and justice to an extent that we must question the very notion of what makes a hero.
This anime does not feed you the answers. It makes you wonder, feel, think. It does not underestimate its audience in terms of intelligence and emotional sophistication.
Although certain individuals complain about the somewhat inconsistent animation of Hunter x Hunter (2011), I would say that it is just beautifully done where necessary. The animation in the emotional and action scenes is amazing. Just watch the scene of the transformation of Gon or the final chess game between Meruem and Komugi. Chills. Every. Time.
And the music? The soundtrack is subtle yet powerful. Tracks like “Requiem Aranea” or “Understanding” perfectly capture the emotional weight of key scenes. It’s not flashy, but it’s purposeful—and that’s what makes it so effective.
Hunter x Hunter was not merely an anime experience; it was a life experience. It made me remember how important growth is, how complicated people are and that sometimes, even the best intentions may bring about pain.
At times I found myself laughing. I gasped moments. There were times when I would stop the screen to take a breath with my eyes watery.
I envy you, in case you have not seen it yet. Since you are in store of a ride you cannot forget. A tale of the naivete of childhood, of the values that survive into the adult world, with the echoes of those lessons.
Thumbnail is designed by me on pixelLab and other images are screenshot from the movie